- July 1, 2011
- Posted by: EMS Communications
- Category: Communication, Presentations
In our June 2011 issue of Speaker’s Digest, we critiqued a speech delivered by Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent last fall at Yale University. Here’s the link if you missed it. We recently found video of another speech he delivered in November 2008 at the Wharton Business School. His delivery style was eerily similar in both speeches: hands on the lectern, reading from his notes, monotone voice.
But check this out: watch the Wharton speech and fast forward to the 15 minute mark. Don’t blink because you might miss it, but Mr. Kent starts to tell a story, and his delivery style changes –he begins to use big gestures, his facial expression opens up (he even smiles!), and as a result his vocal variety increases dramatically. He looks like a more confident and engaging speaker for a fleeting moment. Of course after 20 seconds the story ends, and Mr. Kent reverts back to his comfort zone as a typical boring speaker.
It’s a great lesson for you speakers and leaders out there. Get your hands off the lectern, and bring some personality to your message. If that feels uncomfortable for you…TOO BAD! When you bring your presentation to life, your listeners will buy-in to your content that much more.
